Nike's ability to embed the concept of victory and sports culture into its company name and logo is held up as a paragon of marketing success. There is one ironic fact, however, that is often overlooked. Davidson designed the Swoosh so that it evoked the wings of the goddess of victory. This triumphant Greek goddess, historically invoked on the battlefield, was a symbol of athletic strength, speed and glory. But the Greek goddess Nike was not portrayed with wings because she could fly as high as Michael Jordan or move as fast as Michael Johnson. She was portrayed with wings to remind people that victory was fleeting - a very un-Nike-like sentiment.